Research points to stardust creating life

COMPLEX organic molecules normally associated with life may be common in stardust strewn throughout the universe, astronomers believe.

Light-pattern signatures of the compounds were discovered in previously unexplained infrared emissions from stars, interstellar space and galaxies.

They are so complex that their chemical structures resemble those of coal and petroleum. On Earth, both are produced by ancient life.

The new discovery suggests complex organic substances can be made in space even when no life is present. It increases the possibility of life on the early Earth and perhaps other planets being “seeded” by organic matter from space.

The complex compounds are believed to originate from exploding stars at the end of their life. Ejected into space, they could eventually become part of the building material of new solar systems.

Study leader was Dr Sun Kwok from the University of Hong Kong.

The research is reported in the journal Nature.